Neckband type computer

ABSTRACT

To provide a wearable computer excellent in extendibility and capable of being stably worn. A main body  2  which is equipped with cases  4, 6  and a flexible arm  8  is ring shaped main body having a part opened. The case  4  includes therein a computer, etc. The case  6  includes therein a battery for supplying electric power to the computer, etc. The flexible arm  8  is flexible and thus can be easily deformed. A connector case  10  is provided at a center portion of the flexible arm  8 . The connector case  10  is provided with connectors for external device connection  36, 36 , and so on. In the present embodiment, a USB connector is employed as the connectors for external device connection  36, 36 , and so on.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a neck band type computer.

BACKGROUND ART

According to practical use of a spectacle type wearable computer, aperson can use a computer while wearing the computer on the body. Thespectacle type wearable computer, however, was used by attaching it to aspectacle, which raised a problem of weight. Further, the personreceived a tensile force from a code for connecting an external devicesuch as a camera, a display, etc., which also raised a problem of anunstable wearing condition.

JP2002-229670A discloses a body wearing type computer system in which acomputer is housed in a collar of clothes. According to a devicedisclosed in JP2002-229670A, a computer, an earphone, a monitor, and amicrophone are housed in the collar, and thus the above describedproblems have been solved.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

However, in the conventional technology as disclosed in PatentLiterature 1, special clothes are required, which makes it inconvenientto use the wearable computer. Further, in the spectacle type wearablecomputer, increase of connection to external devices invited seriousproblem of tensile forces received from codes of the external devices.This rendered a limit in extendibility. Also, in the device of PatentLiterature 1, since an external device was preliminary built in thedevice, which also rendered a limit in extendibility.

A purpose of the present invention is to provide a wearable computerexcellent in extendibility and capable of solving at least one of theabove described problems and eliminating an unstable wearing condition.

Independently applicable characteristics of the present invention willbe exemplified below.

(1) The neck band type wearable computer of the present inventionincludes a ring shaped main body having a part opened for wearing itaround the neck, a computer built in the main body, a battery housed inthe main body to supply electric power to the computer, and connectorsfor external device connection provided in the main body and connectedto the computer.

With the above described structure, a wearable computer excellent in astable wearing condition and extendibility can be obtained.

(2) The neck band type wearable computer of the present invention ischaracterized in that connectors are provided at a center portion of thering shaped main body.

This contributes to reduce possibility of unstable rotation of the mainbody of the wearable computer when it receives a tensile force from acode connected to the connector. Namely, the wearable computer can keepa stable condition.

(3) The neck band type wearable computer of the present invention ischaracterized in further including a short-range communication circuitthat is housed in the main body and connected to the computer.

This allows connection with the external device, etc. without using aphysical code.

(4) The neck band type wearable computer of the present invention ischaracterized in that at least a part of the center portion of the mainbody is equipped with a flexible arm.

This allows a flexible change of a shape of the main body and suitablewearing around the neck.

(5) The neck band type wearable computer of the present invention ischaracterized in that the flexible arm is composed of a coil made ofcylindrically coiled wires and a cover tube contacting a periphery ofthe coil, the cover tube being stretched so as to generate a contractionforce in a direction in which the neighboring wires are brought intopressure contact with each other or being stretched so as to generate acontraction force in a radial direction by forming an inner diameter ofthe tube in a natural condition smaller than an outer diameter of thecoil.

With the structure, a shape of the main body can be changed flexibly andthe shape can be maintained, resulting in allowing suitable wearingaround the neck.

(6) The neck band type wearable computer of the present invention ischaracterized in that the coil is made in a manner that a wire having around cross section and a wire having an angular cross section arecoiled such that the neighboring wires contact each other and are coiledin multiple streaks to be formed into a cylindrical coil.

With the structure, a shape of the main body can be changed flexibly andthe shape can be maintained, resulting in allowing suitable wearingaround the neck.

(7) The neck band type wearable computer of the present invention ischaracterized in that the cover tube is composed of a silicone tube.

With the structure, a shape of the main body can be changed flexibly andthe shape can be maintained, resulting in allowing suitable wearingaround the neck.

(8) The neck band type wearable computer of the present invention ischaracterized in that the main body has a plane shape which allows aplanar contact with the back of the neck at its center portioncontacting the back of the neck and has two cases which allow a planarcontact with the chest at its both ends for a stable condition.

With the structure, a stable wearing can be achieved.

(9) The neck band type wearable computer of the present invention ischaracterized in that one of the cases houses a computer, and the otherone of the cases houses a battery.

With the structure, the right and left weight balance can be maintainedeasily, resulting in achieving a stable wearing.

(10) The neck band type wearable computer of the present invention ischaracterized in that a fitting mechanism is provided in each of bothends of the ring shaped main body and an attachment connected betweenthe both fitting mechanisms is further included.

With the attachment, a center of gravity comes to be positioned lower,which realizes a stable wearing condition.

(14) The neck band type wearable computer of the present invention ischaracterized in that a camera, a projector or a sensor is provided inthe attachment.

With the structure, a camera, a projector or a sensor can be stablyattached.

(15) The neck band type wearable computer of the present invention is aneck band type wearable computer which includes a ring shaped main bodyhaving a part opened for wearing it around the neck, a computer built inthe main body, a battery housed in the main body for supplying electricpower to the computer, and connectors for external device connection ora short-range communication device provided in the main body andconnected to the computer, wherein, via communication by the connectorsfor external device connection or the short-range communication device,a projector and a detector are connected to the computer, the projectorprojecting an image of a keyboard onto an object, the detector acquiringinput information by detecting movement of a finger on the keyboardprojected on the object, the computer displaying a processing result onthe monitor on the basis of the input information.

With the structure, if the neck band type wearable computer is placednear the monitor, it can be used like a desktop type computer.

(16) The wearable computer of the present invention includes a flexiblearm to be wound around a part of a human body for wearing, storage casesattached to both ends of the flexible arm, a computer built in thestorage case, and a battery housed in the storage case to supplyelectric power to the computer.

With the structure, the wearable computer can be used by being easilyworn on a human body.

(17) The wearable computer of the present invention is characterized infurther including a center case attached to a center of the flexible armand connectors for external device connection provided in the centercase and connected to the computer.

This contributes to reduce possibility of unstable rotation of the mainbody of the wearable computer when it receives a tensile force from acode connected to the connector. Namely, the wearable computer can keepa stable condition.

(18) The wearable computer of the present invention is characterized inthat each of two storage cases is provided with an engaging mechanismfor mutual engagement.

This enables a stable fixing therebetween.

(19) The wearable computer of the present invention is characterized inthat the part of the human body is the wrist or the ankle.

With the structure, the wearable computer can be used by being woundaround the wrist or the ankle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an outer appearance of a neck band type wearablecomputer 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a hardware structure of the neck band type wearablecomputer 2.

FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional structure of a flexible arm 8.

FIGS. 4a and 4b illustrate a tube 90 in detail.

FIG. 5 illustrates interior structures of a case 4 and a connector case10.

FIGS. 6a, 6b and 6c illustrate assembling of a coil 80 and a tube 90.

FIG. 7 illustrates a state of connection between the case 4 and theconnector case 10 via the flexible arm 8.

FIG. 8 illustrates a structure of an attachment 50.

FIGS. 9a and 9b illustrate a hardware structure of the attachment 50.

FIG. 10 illustrates a state of wearing the neck band type computer 2.

FIG. 11 illustrates the neck band type computer 2 of the secondembodiment.

FIG. 12 illustrates a partial detail of the neck band type computer 2 ofthe second embodiment.

FIG. 13 illustrates an attachment 50 of the neck band type computer 2 ofthe second embodiment.

FIG. 14 illustrates a head mount display 150 of the neck band typecomputer 2 of the second embodiment.

FIG. 15 illustrates an example of use of the neck band type computer 2.

FIG. 16 illustrates display of a keyboard projected by a laser projector58.

FIG. 17 is an example of a keyboard 27 projected by the laser projector58.

FIG. 18 is a flow chart of a display program.

FIGS. 19a and 19b illustrate correction of display data.

FIGS. 20a and 20b illustrates correction of display data.

FIG. 21 illustrates another example of a wearable computer.

FIGS. 22a and 22b illustrates further another example of the wearablecomputer.

FIG. 23 illustrates a recess to be fit on the back of the neck.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 1. Basic Structure

An outer appearance of a neck band type wearable computer according toan embodiment of the present invention will be described below. A mainbody 2, including cases 4, 6 and a flexible arm 8, is, as a whole,formed into a ring shape having a part opened.

A computer, etc. is built in the case 4. A battery for supplyingelectric power to the computer, etc. is built in the case 6. Theflexible arm 8 has flexibility and thus can be deformed. A centerportion of the flexible arm 8 is provided with a connector case 10. Theconnector case 10 is provided with connectors for external deviceconnection 36, 36, . . . . In the present embodiment, a USB connector isused as the connectors for external device connection 36, 36, . . . .

Fitting connectors 38, 38 are provided at around ends of the case 4. Inthe present embodiment, a USB connector is used also as the fittingconnectors 38, 38. The fitting connectors 38, 38 serve to physicallyelectrically connect an attachment 50 in a manner as described below.

FIG. 2 illustrates a hardware structure of a computer built in the mainbody 2. A CPU 30 is connected to a memory 32, a flash memory 34, the USBconnector 36, the fitting connector 38, a short-range communicationcircuit 40, and a communication circuit 42. A battery 44 supplieselectric power to them.

In the present embodiment, the case 4 is provided therein with the CPU30, the memory 32, the flash memory 34, the fitting connector 38, theshort-range communication circuit 40, and the communication circuit 42,and the case 6 is provided therein with the battery 44. The connectorsfor external device connection 36 are built in the connector case 10.

The battery 44 is built in the case 6. A back side surface of the case 6is provided with a cover (not shown). By removing the cover, the battery44 can be taken out or put into the case 6.

Referring back to FIG. 1, the flexible arm 2 has flexibility, and thus ashape thereof can be adjusted by bending it. As illustrated in FIG. 3,the flexible arm 2 is composed of a coil 80 and a tube 90 covering anouter periphery of the coil 80. In an inner space of the coil 80, apower supply line (not shown) for making a connection between thebattery 44 and the connectors for external device connection 36, and theCPU 30 and a bus line (not shown) for making a connection between theconnectors for external device connection 36 and the CPU 30 are housed.

The coil 80 is formed into a double winding coil composed of a wirehaving a round cross section (SUS304WPB) 82 and a SUS wire having atriangular cross section (SUS304) 84. In the present embodiment, adiameter of the wire 82 is set to 0.8 mm, and a side of the wire 84 isset to 1.0 mm.

The neighboring SUS wire (spring material) 82 and the SUS wire (springmaterial) 84 contact to each other. The SUS wire 84 having a triangularcross section is arranged such that a side of the triangular shapeextends along the outer periphery, and a width thereof becomes narroweras it goes inside (or vice-verse).

A silicon tube 90 is provided in a manner that the tube contacts theouter periphery of the coil 80. In the present embodiment, the tube 90having an inner diameter of 50 mm in its natural condition is used forthe coil 80 having an outer diameter of 54 mm. As described above,because the outer diameter of the coil 80 is set slightly larger thanthe inner diameter of the tube 90 (about 5% to 15% of the tubediameter), the tube 90 tightly contacts the outer periphery of the coil80.

Further, in the present embodiment, the tube 90 is brought into tightcontact with the coil 80 while the tube 90 is stretched from its naturalcondition in an A direction of FIG. 3. With the structure, the tube 90tends to contract according to its flexibility, a force can be appliedto the coil 80 in a direction compressing the coil 80.

FIG. 4A illustrates the tube 90 in detail. In the present embodiment,the tube 90 is made by molding a flexible silicon. Also, a flange 92 isprovided on one end. A flange 94 is provided on the other end.

FIG. 4B illustrates a cross section of the tube 90. At the end where theflange 94 is provided, a stopper 96 having a hollow section of adiameter smaller than the inner diameter of the tube 90 is provided.This can prevent the coil 80 from being dropout.

FIG. 5 illustrates interior structures (states where covers are removed)of the main body 4 and the connector case 10. The main body 4 isprovided with a recess portion 100 which receives a flange 92 of thetube 90. Although it is not shown, the corresponding recess portion isprovided in the cover. A stopper 110 is provided next to the recessportion 100. The stopper 110 serves to keep the coil 80 at apredetermined position within the main body 4 when the flexible arm 8 isattached to the main body 4.

A recess portion 102 for receiving the flange 94 of the tube 90 isprovided in the connector case 10. Although it is not shown, thecorresponding recess portion is provided in the cover.

Subsequently, a step of attaching the flexible arm 8 to the main body 4and the movable portion 6 will be described below. Initially, asillustrated in FIG. 6A, the coil 80 is put in the tube 90. At the time,the coil 80 is inserted into the tube 90 until one end of the coil 80contacts the stopper 96 of the tube 90.

In the present embodiment, because a length LC (e.g., 60 mm) of the coil80 is set longer than a length LT (e.g., 50 mm) of the tube 90 (LC islonger than LT by about 10% to 50% of the entire length of the tube 90),the coil 80 projects out as shown in FIG. 6A. As shown in FIG. 6B, whileleaving the coil 80 as it is, the flange 94 of the tube 90 is pushedinto the recess portion 102 of the movable portion 6 to fix it and, whenthe other end of the coil 80 is brought into contact with the stopper110 of the main body 4, the flange 92 of the tube 90 will not bereceived in the recess portion 100 of the main body 4.

To avoid this, as illustrated in FIG. 6C, the tube 90 is once pulled inan arrow B direction, and the flange 92 of the tube 90 is engaged intothe recess portion 100 of the main body 4. Then, the cover is put overthe recess portion.

Thus assembled state is illustrated in FIG. 7. Incidentally, the coveris omitted in FIG. 7.

In the present embodiment, the coil is formed into a double winding coilin a manner that a wire having a round cross section and a wire having atriangular cross section are neighbored each other. Therefore, when theflexible arm 8 is bent in a manner as illustrated in FIG. 1, a degreecapable of keeping the bending state becomes higher. This is because, acoil composed of a wire having a round cross section and a wire having atriangular cross section which are neighbored has larger recoveryresistance when the coil is bent than a coil composed of wires having around cross section which are neighbored. This allows maintaining of thebending state. Further, since the inner diameter of the tube 90 is madesmaller than the outer diameter of the coil 80, and still further, thetube 90 is brought into tight contact with the coil 80 while the tube 90is stretched, the bending state can be maintained.

This produces an effect of easy adjustment of an angle and a positionand an effect of maintaining of the adjusted position. Incidentally, atleast one of setting the inner diameter of the tube 90 smaller than theouter diameter of the coil 80 (applying a force in a radial direction)or bringing the tube 90 into tight contact with the coil 80 while thetube 90 is stretched (applying a force in a direction in which theneighboring wires are compressed) may be executed.

In the above described embodiment, a double winding coil is used as thecoil 80. A single winding coil may be used instead. Even in this case,the effect of maintaining a bending state according to the stretch/tightcontact of the tube 90 can also be produced.

Further, instead of the double winding coil, a multi-winding coil coiledmore than three times may be used. In this case, however, the coil ispreferably made by a combination of a wire having a round cross sectionand a wire having a triangular cross section which are neighbored.

In the above described embodiment, the coil 80 is composed of a wirehaving a round cross section and a wire having a triangular crosssection. A wire having a round cross section and a wire having a crosssection of multangular shape more than square shape may be used instead.Alternatively, a wire having an angular (trapezoid, parallelogram, etc.)cross section other than the multangular cross section may be used.

In the above described embodiment, the force in a direction in which thetube 90 compresses the coil 80 is applied. Biasing means (flexiblemember, spring material, etc.) which is fixed to both ends of the coil80 and biased in a shrinking direction may be provided instead.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, in the present embodiment, the attachment 50can be attached to the ends of the cases 4, 6. A camera, a sensor, etc.can be housed in the attachment 50.

FIG. 8 illustrates a structure of the attachment 50 provided with acamera 52. The attachment 50 is provided with the camera 52 at itscenter and male type connectors 54 (fitting connectors) of a micro-USB(or C-type USB) at its both ends. Female type connectors 38 (fittingconnectors) are provided in the cases 4, 6 at positions corresponding tothe male type connectors 54. By engaging the male type connectors 54with the female type connectors 38, the attachment 50 can bemechanically electrically connected to the cases 4, 6.

FIG. 9A illustrates a circuit structure of the attachment 50. One of thefitting connectors 54 is connected to the camera 52. The other one ofthe fitting connectors 54 is connected to nothing, i.e., is left free.

In a case where a plurality of devices, e.g., the camera 52 and a sensor56, is housed in the attachment 50, one of the fitting connectors 54 isconnected to the camera 52 and the other one of the fitting connectors54 is connected to the sensor 56 as shown in FIG. 9B.

In a case of FIG. 9A, by attaching the attachment 50, the camera 52 canbe connected to the CPU 30. In a case of FIG. 9B, by attaching theattachment 50, the sensor 56 can be connected to the CPU 30. Further, byattaching the attachment 50, an orientation of the attachment 50 becomesstable owing to its own weight. Further, since the neck band typewearable computer is worn around the neck, the attachment 50 would notmove even when the head moves, thereby keeping a relatively stableorientation. In this meaning, it is preferable that the attachment 50houses devices requiring a stable orientation, e.g., the camera 52, aprojector, and the sensor 56.

FIG. 10 illustrates a state that the neck band type wearable computer 2is worn. In FIG. 10, a case where the attachment 50 is not attached isillustrated; however, the attachment 50 may be attached as required. Theconnector case 10 resides at the back of the neck so that it is hiddenin FIG. 10.

The connectors for external device connection 36, 36, . . . of theconnector case 10 is connected to an external device such as a headphone, a head mount display (HMD), or a laser projector.

2. Second Embodiment

FIG. 11 illustrates an outer appearance of a neck band type wearablecomputer according to a second embodiment. A main body 2, includingcases 4, 6 and a flexible arm 8, is, as a whole, formed into a ringshape having a part opened.

A computer, etc. is built in the case 4. A battery for supplyingelectric power to the computer, etc. is built in the case 6. Theflexible arm 8 is formed of a plastic member, has flexibility, and thuscan be deformed.

As illustrated in FIG. 12, a fitting connector 38 (for example, a C-typeUSB) is provided near a base part of the case 6 and a permanent magnet39 is embedded near a base part of the case 4 opposing the same.

As illustrated in FIG. 13, an attachment 50 is configured such that arotary body 53 is held inside a holding body 51 so as to be able torotate in a direction of an arrow α. A projector 55, a motion sensor 57,and an infrared light emitter 61 are provided in the rotary body 53. Afitting connector 54 is provided on an end face of the holding body 51on one side and a permanent magnet (not illustrated in the drawing) isembedded in an end face of the holding body 51 on the other side.

According to this configuration, as illustrated in FIG. 11, theattachment 50 can be attached to the cases 4, 6. However, since couplingon one side is established by means of a magnet, when an excessive forceis applied, the attachment will come off from the case 4. Accordingly,an accident, such as the flexible arm 8 constricting a neck of a wearer,can be prevented. Moreover, by rotating the rotary body 53, a deviceprovided on the rotary 53 can be oriented in a desired direction.

In the present embodiment, as a result of the motion sensor 57 imaging,patterned infrared light emitted by the infrared light emitter 61, adistance to an object, motion of the object, and the like, can bedetermined by a CPU. For example, with movement of a hand of the wearer,operation of the neck band type wearable computer can be controlled.

Referring back to FIG. 11, a recess is provided on an outer side face ofthe case 4, and in this recess, a head mount display 150 is accommodatedtogether with a cord 152. When the head mount display 150 is to be used,the display is taken out and secured onto a temple of glasses of thewearer.

FIG. 14 illustrates a state in which the head mount display 150 has beentaken out. A projection unit (display) is provided inside the head mountdisplay 150, and a prism 154 serving to guide an image thereof to an eyeis provided on a front end of the head mount display 150. A fixingmember 156 is provided at a back end of the head mount display 150. Thefixing member 156 accommodates a magnet 156 for attachment to the temple(metal) and has a hook 158 for hooking onto the temple. The fixingmember 156 allows for attachment to the temple of the glasses of thewearer.

The fixing member 156 and the head mount display 150 are connected toeach other by a flexible arm 160 having the structure illustrated inFIG. 3. By virtue of this configuration, an angle of the head mountdisplay 150 is adjustable.

The case 6 is provided with two microphones 7 a, 7 b that are spacedapart from each other. Sound picked up by these microphones is convertedinto digital data. The CPU estimates a direction and a position of asound source on the basis of a phase difference and an amplitudedifference pertaining to the same sound as picked up at the twomicrophones 7 a, 7 b. Accordingly, a voice of the wearer can bediscriminated (while sound from another person can be excluded), so thata voice instruction by the wearer can be recognized accurately.

3. Example of Use

FIG. 15 illustrates an example of use of the neck band type wearablecomputer 2. The user 3 wearing the neck band type wearable computer 2 issitting in front of a display 5 set on a desk 7. The display 5 isequipped with a short-range communication circuit (e.g., Bluetoothcommunication circuit). A short-range communication circuit 40 of theneck band type wearable computer 2 communicates with the display 5 andoutputs a display signal.

In the example of FIG. 15, the attachment 50 equipped with a laserprojector and a camera is worn (not shown). As illustrated in FIG. 16,the laser projector 58 displays a keyboard on the desk 7. A keyboard 27displayed on the desk 7 by means of the laser projector 58 isillustrated in FIG. 17. In the present embodiment, a projectable areaprojectable by the laser projector 58 is an area 29 indicated by adotted line. The keyboard 27 is projected within a sufficiently largeprojectable area.

Movement of a finger of the user on thus displayed keyboard 27 isdetected by the camera 60 to determine which key is depressed.Incidentally, an area 25 is an area for moving a mouse cursor whenmovement of a finger is detected.

Incidentally, since the laser projector 58 is worn by the user 3, theprojected image moves following movement of the user. This makes theuser hard to use it. The CPU 30 controls to fix the display of thekeyboard 27 at a predetermined position in the following manner.

A flow chart of a keyboard input program is illustrated in FIG. 18.Initially, in step S1, the CPU 30 transfers keyboard image data that ispreliminary prepared to the laser projector 58 to cause the projector toproject a keyboard on the desk 7 (Step S1). Then, the CPU 30 obtains animage of the keyboard projected by the camera 60 (Step S2).Subsequently, the CPU 30 specifies a featured image from thus capturedkeyboard image (images of projected keyboard and portions of desk aroundthe keyboard) (Step S3). A featured image that is not contained in thekeyboard image data (e.g., design, scratches, etc. on a surface of thedesk 7) is recorded together with a position (relative positionalrelationship with the keyboard) thereof as a featured image.

Then, the CPU 30 determines whether or not the keyboard is correctlyprojected (Step S4). In the present embodiment, the keyboard isdisplayed by a predetermined size (e.g., the size is determined by aratio of the keyboard occupying in the captured image) as a rectangularshape having a predetermined aspect ratio. Further, the CPU 30recognizes that a display in a case where the keyboard has apredetermined positional relationship with respect to the featured imageis correct. For example, in a case where the keyboard has an outerappearance of trapezoid or rhombus, it is not considered as a correctdisplay. Further, also, in a case where the positional relationship withrespect to the featured image does not match, it is not considered as acorrect display.

When the CPU 30 determines that the display is not correct, the CPU 30corrects the keyboard image data for projection (Step S5). For example,if the captured keyboard image is deformed to have a trapezoid shape asshown in FIG. 19A, the CPU 30 corrects the keyboard image for projectionin a manner that a width becomes narrower as it goes upward and a widthbecomes wider as it goes downward. For example, the CPU 30 corrects dataof the keyboard image for projection to keyboard image data as shown inFIG. 20A. As a result, a rectangular shaped keyboard will be displayedon the desk 7. Incidentally, the CPU 30 corrects data, at the time ofcorrection, in a manner that the keyboard to be projected becomes apredetermined size. Therefore, a keyboard adjusted to have thepredetermined size and rectangular shape is displayed on the desk 7.

As shown in FIG. 19B, in a case where a captured keyboard image isinclined, the CPU 30 corrects keyboard image data in a manner that theinclination is amended as illustrated in FIG. 20B.

As described above, the CPU 30 corrects various kinds of deformation bycorrecting the keyboard image data, thereby projecting a rectangularshaped keyboard.

Further, the CPU 30 recognizes a featured image from the capturedkeyboard image to specify it. The CPU 30 corrects keyboard image data ina manner that the featured image and the projected keyboard have apositional relationship as initially recorded. In the presentembodiment, as shown in FIG. 17, since the keyboard 27 is projectedwithin the projectable area 29 with a sufficient margin, the abovedescribed adjustment can be performed.

Accordingly, a keyboard shaped into a predetermined sized rectangularshape will be fixedly displayed at a predetermined position on the desk7 regardless of movement of the user 3.

Then, the CPU 30 specifies a finger of the user 3 in the captured image.The CPU 30 can specify the finger by finding out a round slender tip(Step S6). Subsequently, the CPU 30 determines on which key of thekeyboard the specified finger resides. The CPU 30 performs inputprocessing as the specified key was depressed (Step S7).

In a case where a finger is on the area 25, the CPU 30 acquires data ofa position of the finger this time (Step S6), determines a movingdirection and moving speed of a cursor on the basis of a previousposition of the finger and the present position of the finger, andcauses the cursor to move (Step S7).

By repeating the above described steps, input processing can beachieved. As described above, in the present embodiment, the neck bandtype wearable computer serves as a desktop computer if only with adisplay 5.

Incidentally, in the above described embodiment, the projector 58 andthe camera 60 are connected via the fitting connectors 38. They may beconnected via the connectors for external device connection 36 instead.Alternatively, they may be connected via a short-range communicationcircuit. Further, the display 5 is connected via a short-rangecommunication circuit. It may be connected via the connectors forexternal device connection 36 instead.

4. Others

(1) In the above described embodiment, the wearable computer 2 used bywearing it around the neck was described. The wearable computer 2,having the same structure, may be used by winding it around a portion ofa human body, e.g., the wrist and the ankle, as shown in FIG. 21. InFIG. 21, the cases 4, 6 are provided with engagement members 17, 19 formutual engagement.

(3) In the above described embodiment, a double winding coil is used asthe coil 80. A single winding coil may also be used instead. Even inthis case, a bending state maintaining effect can be produced by tightcontact/stretching of the tube 90.

Further, a multi-winding coil coiled more than three times may be usedinstead of the double winding coil. Even in this case, it is preferablethat the coil is made in a manner that a wire having a round crosssection and a wire having a triangular cross section are wound such thatthe neighboring wires contact each other.

In the above described embodiment, the coil 80 is composed of a wirehaving a round cross section and a wire having a triangular crosssection. Instead thereof, a coil composed of a wire having a round crosssection and a wire having a cross section of multangular shape more thansquare shape may be used. Alternatively, a wire having an angular(trapezoid, parallelogram, etc.) cross section may be used.

In the above described embodiment, a force in a direction in which thetube 90 compresses the coil 80 is applied. Alternatively, biasing means(flexible member, spring material, etc.) which is fixed to both ends ofthe coil 80 and biased to a shrinking direction may be provided.

(4) In the above described embodiment, a force in a direction in whichthe tube 90 compresses the coil 80 is applied. Alternatively, instead ofapplying the compression force, the coil 80 may be used as the flexiblearm 8.

(5) In the above described embodiment, the flexible arm 8 is composed ofthe coil 80 and the tube 90. Alternatively, the flexible arm 8 may becomposed of a hollow plastic member or a solid plastic member.

(6) In the above described embodiment, the wearable computer 2 iscomposed of the cases 4, 6, the connector case 10, and the flexible arm8. Alternatively, they may be formed into one piece of plastic member.An example having such structure is illustrated in FIG. 23A. The arm 7is provided continuously from the case 4. The arm 7 is formed into athin plate shape. The arm 7 is formed into a shape that a portion ofcontacting the back of the neck extends long in up-and-down directionand is thin in front-to-rear direction. Further, when viewed from theback (from an arrow A direction in FIG. 23A), an upper central portionis formed into a recess shape as shown in FIG. 24. This allows acomfortable fitting to the back of the neck of the user 3.

On the other hand, the cases 4, 6 are formed thinly perpendicular to thearm 7 for the purpose of achieving stability on the chest of the user 3.To achieve this, the arm 7 and the cases 4, 6 are connected so as tohave a right angle relationship as shown in FIG. 23B.

Further, in the present embodiment, instead of the connector case 10,the connectors for external device connection 36 are provided in theside surfaces of the cases 4, 6.

(6) In the above described embodiment, the cases 4, 6 are provided withthe fitting connectors 38. They are not essential.

(7) In the above described embodiment, the attachment 50 is mechanicallyelectrically connected via a USB connector. Alternatively, theattachment 50 may be only mechanically connected and may receive powersupply by means of Bluetooth communication or electromagnetic coupling.A structure for mechanical connection may be provided in addition to theconnector.

(8) In the above described embodiment, the attachment 50 is providedwith a camera, a sensor, a projector, etc. Instead of them or inaddition to them, a distance image camera (a camera for capturing animage having distance data to an object for each captured pixel) may beprovided.

(9) In the embodiment as shown in FIG. 15, positioning is performed byusing design of desk, etc. as a featured image. Alternatively, a marker,etc. may be put on the desk as a featured image.

Alternatively, instead of or in addition to the positioning by using thefeatured image, a control may be performed such that movement of aprojector in an image capturing direction is detected by a nine-axissensor which is equipped with an acceleration sensor, an angular speedsensor, a geomagnetic sensor, etc., thereby fixedly displaying acaptured image.

1. A neck band type wearable computer comprising: a ring shaped mainbody having a par opened for wearing it around the neck; a computerbuilt in the main body; a battery housed in the main body to supplyelectric power to the computer; and connectors for external deviceconnection provided on the main body and connected to the computer. 2.The neck band type wearable computer according to claim 1, wherein theconnectors are provided at a center portion of the ring shaped mainbody.
 3. The neck band type wearable computer according to claim 1,further comprising: a short-range communication circuit housed in themain body and connected to the computer.
 4. The neck band type wearablecomputer according to claim 1, further comprising: an attachmentconnected between ends of the ring shaped main body.
 5. The neck bandtype wearable computer according to claim 4, wherein the attachmentconnects to at least one end of the ring shaped main body by magnet. 6.The neck band type wearable computer according to claim 1, wherein theneck band type wearable computer further comprises a head mounteddisplay, wherein the head mounted display is stored in a side surface ofthe main body and can be taken out.
 7. The neck band type wearablecomputer according to claim 1, wherein a camera, projector or a sensoris provided in the attachment.
 8. The neck band type wearable computeraccording to claim 1, wherein the attachment comprises a rotary bodyprovided with the camera, the projector or the sensor therein. 9-19.(canceled)